*PeepSo Download Community* by PeepSo is a popular WordPress plugin that adds social networking features to websites. However, security researchers recently discovered a Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) flaw in versions up to 6.1.6.. Labeled as CVE-2023-39925, this issue could let attackers trick logged-in users—including admins—into performing actions without their consent.
Let’s break it down in plain English:
CSRF lets attackers “hijack” your logged-in status.
- If you’re tricked into clicking a link (say, in an email or on another website), an attacker can make you unknowingly change settings or perform actions on your site without your okay.
The Heart of the CVE-2023-39925 Vulnerability
What is CSRF, again?
CSRF stands for _Cross-Site Request Forgery_. If a plugin doesn’t check for a special code (“nonce”) before processing requests, anyone can “forge” a request as if they are you.
What did PeepSo Download Community do wrong?
Some actions in the plugin (like changing a file, or posting on the community) didn’t check if a request was made by you, or by a sneaky hacker’s website. No CSRF token, no protection.
A Realistic Exploit Example
Imagine this:
Elsewhere, you click a link sent by a bad actor ("Check out this cool photo!").
- That link POSTs data to your own site, telling PeepSo to do something—like change download settings or update a user, all _without your knowledge_.
Suppose the vulnerable action can be triggered by sending a POST request to
https://your-site.com/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php?action=ps_download_some_action
A hacker might build a hidden form in an email or a web page like this
<form action="https://your-site.com/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php?action=ps_download_some_action" method="POST" id="csrfForm">
<input type="hidden" name="setting" value="public">
<!-- Any other fields the attacker wants to set -->
</form>
<script>
document.getElementById('csrfForm').submit();
</script>
If you, as a logged-in admin, visit the page above, the form will send a request from _your browser_, as if _you_ had clicked in the PeepSo admin. Without a CSRF token check on the backend, the action just happens.
Possibly even escalate privilege or add a new admin
The specific damage depends on what actions the plugin exposes via AJAX or regular POST requests!
How Do We Fix This?
Developers’ Solution:
PeepSo patched this in later versions by adding CSRF token ("_nonce") checks before processing requests. That means only legitimate forms from your admin can trigger actions—not outside, faked requests.
Here’s how the backend _should_ process a request
// Get the nonce from POST
if (!isset($_POST['peepso_nonce']) || !wp_verify_nonce($_POST['peepso_nonce'], 'peepso_action')) {
wp_die('CSRF check failed');
}
// Continue with safe action...
- wp_verify_nonce() ensures the request came from a real WordPress admin/user.
- If the check fails: the request is blocked/useless to an attacker.
Original Advisory:
Patchstack Advisory — PeepSo Download Community CSRF
WordPress Plugin Page:
PeepSo Download Community at wordpress.org
CVE Details:
Explaining CSRF:
OWASP: Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF)
Got PeepSo Download Community?
If you're running 6.1.6. or earlier, you are exposed to CSRF attacks.
*Update now* to the secure release—or risk attackers altering your site with a single, sneaky visit to the wrong web page.
*Stay safe, update your plugins, and always demand CSRF protection from your web tools!*
Timeline
Published on: 11/22/2023 19:15:08 UTC
Last modified on: 11/27/2023 21:37:20 UTC